Rudd Joinery boosts quality, capacity & efficiency with HOMAG CENTATEQ P-310
The company has combined modern CNC technology with traditional craftsmanship, strengthening production capacity and positioning the business for continued growth
Family-run Rudd Joinery has been crafting high-quality bespoke joinery items for nearly 30 years. Based in Fakenham, Norfolk, the business combines traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques to produce windows, doors, staircases and specialist joinery for homeowners, architects and the construction trade across East Anglia.
As the industry faces an ongoing skills shortage and increasing pressure on lead times, Rudd Joinery recently took a significant step forward by investing in a HOMAG CENTATEQ P-310 CNC machining centre.
A new approach
Jamie Rudd, Director at Rudd Joinery, explains: “Prior to this investment, we were using traditional woodworking machines. The advent of the skills shortage made us rethink our approach; it was clear that technology would help us plug the gaps. We also wanted to minimise lead times, particularly during busy periods.”
Crucially, the move to CNC machining was never about replacing skilled joiners, as Jamie continues: “We value craftsmanship hugely, so the machine is there to assist us in our work, not take over.”
Choosing HOMAG
Rudd Joinery explored several options before making its final decision, but a visit to HOMAG’s UK headquarters in Castle Donington proved decisive.
Talking about this important step, Jamie says: “When we saw the P-310 in action, we were really impressed. It ticked all the boxes, and given HOMAG’s reputation for providing excellent support, in the end it was an easy decision to go with them.”
Smooth installation & thorough training
As this was Rudd Joinery’s first introduction to CNC technology, a smooth transition was therefore essential, as Jamie comments: “Installation was very well handled, as was the training. The HOMAG team stayed for two weeks, getting us up to speed with the machine. This technology was new to us, so there was a lot to learn, but HOMAG made sure we’d be able to run it comfortably.
“From there, it’s a case of learning by doing. HOMAG were always available by phone to answer any questions, but after a short time, we felt confident running the machine at its full potential.”
New possibilities, greater capacity
According to Jamie, the impact made by the CENTATEQ P-310 has been immediate: “As old-school joiners who’d only ever used traditional machinery, we’d got used to thinking a certain way. Now, with both the CNC and woodWOP software, there’s a whole new world of possibility. You can achieve all sorts of remarkable things at just the press of a few buttons.”
The machine has enabled Rudd Joinery to take on more work, particularly complex curved components, while significantly improving throughput, as Jamie confirms: “We’re getting through jobs much faster.There’s no longer any need for overtime; everything fits comfortably within normal working hours.” Notably, quality has also taken a step forward: “The finish is incredibly clean and crisp, every single time.”
A trusted partnership
For Jamie, ongoing support was just as important as the machine itself, as he explains: “Going into this, we wanted a machine supplier we could trust. We didn’t want a machine to be installed for us to just be left to it. The support is pivotal, and HOMAG certainly delivers on that front.
“They’re always contactable and happy to help with any query, and they’ve even paid us visits since the machine has been installed, just to see how we’re getting on. It’s clear they care about their customers.
“A special thanks to Phil Pitchford and James Mason from the sales team, who put up with our countless questions, and Ryan Beard, who did a brilliant job training us up on the software.”
Looking ahead
“With this machine, we now have the capacity to keep growing,” Jamie concludes. “Previously, we were always chasing our tail, but now, thanks to this fantastic new investment, we’re excited about the future, and we’ve no doubt it will involve more HOMAG machinery.”
For more information or a demonstration of HOMAG’s machinery and software, contact HOMAG UK on 01332 856 500 – selecting option 4 for the sales department – or email info-uk@homag.com.
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